From tomorrow, the amount of time that our politician’s spend in Leinster House will be tracked by electronic fobs. For the first time outside of votes, time spent in the house will be tracked in a purpose-built system.

This is one of the first moves in tracking value for money for work done by our public representatives. The Department of Finances published expense schedules last month to reform the way that TDs and senator claim for expenses incurred. TDs and senators have claimed up to €24 million in expenses and allowances in the past three years.

Just when you hoped that NAMA had fallen off the edge of the world, the figurate man from the EU say ‘Yes’. The European Commission has officially approved the government’s NAMA plan this morning.

NAMA will purchase assets for a nominal value (in today’s money) of €80B for around €54B. NAMA will manage these assets and attempt to maximise their value.

Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia commented on today’s approval:

Ireland’s financial sector has been one of the most affected by the global financial crisis in Europe and the burst of the Irish real estate bubble has only compounded the problems. This impaired asset measure, which is specifically targeted at real estate assets, is therefore key to cleaning up Irish banks’ balance sheets. This is an important step towards the overall restructuring of the sector and its return to a normal and responsible functioning of the market.

This in a massive week for domestic financial matters where Finance Bill 2010 is being reviewed line by line by the Finance Committee and economist Klaus Regling spoke at a meeting of the committee on his upcoming report on the financial crisis.

Garry McCarthy‘s Vote Alan Kelly rap is nominated for Best Viral Event in this year’s Digital Media Awards. The rap was astutely found by Suzy over on Irish Election last year before the European elections. One of the first raps for Irish politicians running in elections?

Labour’s Alan Kelly was elected to the European Parliament last Summer. Speaking in a presser this afternoon, McCarthy said he was delighted with the nomination and being able to reach a new audience for his music. “I never expected such a massive reaction,” he added.

Don’t make the wrong choice – Vote Alan Kelly by Garry McCarthy

This morning, the heads of the Dublin mayoral bill were published on the web. The Local Government (Dublin Mayor and Regional Authority) Act 2010 will form the Dublin Regional Authority (DRA) with a newly-elected mayor as its head.

Just how much power will the Dublin Mayor have though?

The office of Dublin Mayor will administer the functions of the DRA to boost the economic, civic and planning of the city. Strictly speaking, the mayor is the jam in the sandwich of the Dublin local authorities. On powers to deal with traffic, more detail is expected.

Within six months, the Dublin Mayor must present a strategy statement for the city. This statement will mark out their stab at identifying their goals, strategies and what success of those strategies looks like. That strategy will be tempered by feedback from the DRA before they are published.

The mayor can issue directions to Dublin’s local authorities based off the regional plan for city.  Before the mayor issues a directive, they have to consult with local authorities. Local authorities do not have to comply with the directions of the Dublin Mayor if suggestions are cost prohibitive. Interestingly, directives from the Dublin Mayor come second to the Minister for Finance if the advice differs.

Mayoral elections will coincide with local elections come the next round in 2014 and going forward.

If you feel like boiling up a pot of coffee, the heads of bill can be found on Scribd published by the Green Party.

Takeaways on the DRA structure from the heads of bill

Deputy mayor and composition of the DRA:

• The mayor will appoint a deputy mayor
• In case of incapicitation or resignation, the deputy mayor will step in
• The DRA will have 16 members including the mayor. The other 15 members of the authority will be appointed by the Dublin local authorities

CEO of the DRA:

• The mayor will appoint a CEO of the Dublin Regional Authority. The CEO will manage the staff, admin functions and business of the Dublin Regional Authority

Staffing and appointment of staff of the DRA:

• The mayor can appoint a maximum of 5 people as staff to the Dublin Regional Authority (outside of the CEO function). When appointing this people to the authority, support documentation should be lodged per appointment.
• Additional appointees by the mayor must be approved by the Minister of Finance
• The DRA can use consultancy services and advisers subject to the usual

Annual reporting and finances:

• The Dublin Regional Authority will prepare an annual report for June 30th every year
• The report will include details on the finances and the performance of the DRA
• The Minister for Finance will decide on the salary for the Dublin Mayor
• The job of Dublin Mayor is a pensionable position

Photo by Bentza on Flickr under CC Attribution licence

Minutes ago, Green Party TD Trevor Sargent gave a personal statement to the Dáil tendering is resignation as Minister for Food and Horticulture.

Watch back his statement to the Dáil chamber.

Update

Sargent’s statement reads as follows:

A Ceann Chomhairle, I thank you for the opportunity to explain to the House the circumstances of the clinic enquiry I received in June 2008 relating to an assault in September 2007 which were partially reported in the media this afternoon.

A victim of an assault came to me to voice his frustration at the slow progress being made with a case where he alleged he had been head-butted when he told me he had reported vandalism to parents of a child he had seen trying to remove a road sign in their housing estate.

My intention was to ensure the Gardaí were aware I had received a representation from a victim in an alleged assault and that the full preparation of the case would benefit from witnesses not yet interviewed being interviewed before proceeding further. The victim was afraid for his safety, meanwhile.

I accept however that although my actions in contacting An Garda Siochána were not a criminal offence, under Section 6 of the Prosecutions of Offences Act 1974 such a communication could be deemed not lawful. In this regard, I accept I made an error of judgement. Accordingly I hereby tender my resignation forthwith as Minister of State for Food and Horticulture.

Leader of the Green Party, John Gormley has commented on Sargent’s resignation:

“I am greatly saddened by Trevor Sargent’s decision to resign as Minister of State.

“There is nobody in Leinster House – or in Irish politics generally – whom I admire more than Trevor. He has brought a unique mix of ability and talent, decency and honesty to Irish public life.

“Trevor’s departure is all the more difficult because he is more than just a colleague, he is a trusted friend and confidant.

“I note that in tendering his resignation he has acted promptly and without any self interest. That is totally in keeping with his approach to politics and the contribution he has made across the past four decades.

“Trevor will continue to serve the people of Dublin North as their TD with the same total dedication he has shown since June 1992. He will be missed from the Green Party team in government but he will continue to work closely with his parliamentary party colleagues.”